Moreover, such a bid carries the additional risk of ruining the Palestinian Authority's ability to fight for the “right of return,” Jordan reminded. The issue at hand is the so-called claim by millions of foreign Arabs descended from those who abandoned their homes in Judea, Samaria and Jerusalem during Israel's defensive wars since 1948.

At least one expert maintains such a "right" might indeed be legally compromised if the PA goes ahead with its bid. Oxford University's Professor Guy Goodwin-Gill, a renowned legalist, was retained by the Palestinian Authority to examine the issue. Nevertheless, Abbas has not yet expressed a willingness to reconsider the move.

Jordan in particular has an interest in this issue. The monarchy of the Hashemite Kingdom is based on a Bedouin tribe. However, nearly 80 percent of the population is comprised of Palestinian Authority Arabs.